unSeminary Podcast

Shayla McCormick, Executive Pastor at Coastal Community Church, shares her journey of building a thriving church culture in South Florida. She discusses the importance of creating an authentic, welcoming environment where staff and attendees feel valued. Shayla addresses the significance of aligning staff around true organizational values, not just aspirational ones, and highlights the need for effective communication and leadership during growth. Her insights on fostering relationships and team cohesion are invaluable for any church leader.

In this engaging conversation, Bob Riedy, Senior Pastor of Church of the Open Door, shares his personal journey through burnout and emotional turmoil after leading a booming church. He discusses the importance of acknowledging grief, revealing how unprocessed losses can compound pressure in ministry. Bob encourages pastors to combat shame with grace and emphasizes the need for authentic relationships and support. His insights on fostering emotional health and resilience highlight the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership.

Quovadis Marshall, also known as Pastor Q, is the Lead Pastor at Hope City Church in Waterloo, Iowa, who transformed his life after a profound experience in prison. He discusses crucial outreach strategies that uncover the hidden needs of communities, emphasizing the importance of active listening and relationship-building. Pastor Q explores how every city has a unique outreach 'code' that churches must crack by aligning their strengths with local challenges. His inspiring journey from crime to faith serves as a powerful catalyst for community change.

Rachel Long, founder of the Joshua Center, and Danny Anderson, lead pastor of Emmanuel Church, delve into navigating staff transitions within church settings. They share insights on fostering open communication to create a healthy organizational culture during periods of change. Rachel recounts her journey from executive pastor to leading a nonprofit supporting grieving families, while Danny emphasizes the importance of being a shepherd rather than a gatekeeper. Both highlight the necessity for safe conversations that honor individual journeys and enhance team well-being.

In this discussion, Eric Smith, founder of Hope City Church and co-creator of SermonDone, unveils how AI can revolutionize sermon preparation. He emphasizes that 83% of churchgoers choose their congregation based on the quality of teaching. Eric explains how SermonDone helps pastors personalize their content, saving time without sacrificing theological integrity. By using a personalized profile, the tool learns each pastor's voice, allowing for authentic messages. This innovation not only accelerates research but also boosts engagement in the preaching process.

Aaron Stanski, the Founder and CEO of Risepointe, brings a wealth of knowledge about aligning church spaces with mission-driven growth. He discusses how healthy churches are expanding and challenges leaders face with facilities that may not keep up. Stanski introduces the 'constraints framework,' probing churches to identify potential bottlenecks before growth occurs. He emphasizes strategic planning for future needs and highlights the importance of proactive leadership in navigating construction challenges, ensuring that churches are ready for the exciting journey ahead.

David Ashcraft, CEO of the Global Leadership Network and former Senior Pastor of LCBC Church, shares insights from leading a multisite church that grew from 150 to over 25,000 attendees. He emphasizes the importance of a clear vision in guiding growth and aligning leadership. David details the challenges of maintaining stability while innovating and introduces the 90/10 rule for effective decision-making. He also discusses the vital role of summits in empowering church leaders and cultivating transformative experiences within their communities.

Financial conversations can be daunting, especially in multisite churches. Discover how a centralized budgeting model can help avoid unhealthy competition among campuses. Learn why only 7% break even at launch, but by year three, 79% can achieve financial sustainability. Emphasize regular stewardship teaching to boost generosity across all campuses. This insightful discussion provides practical strategies to fund, sustain, and grow thriving multisite communities.

Thanks for joining us at the unSeminary podcast. In this All About Multisite month podcast episode we’re talking with Omar Giritli, Lead Pastor, and Carlos Cardenas, Executive Pastor at Christ Fellowship. With campuses spread across Miami, the Caribbean and South America, Christ Fellowship has truly become a model of how to lead a diverse, multi-generational […]

Explore the complex world of multisite churches and bust common myths that hinder growth. Discover how campus and central leadership can collaborate effectively while navigating tensions. Learn why launching with a strong volunteer core is essential for success and why small launches often flounder. Delve into strategies for diagnosing struggling campuses, focusing on financial health and attendance, and uncover revitalization tactics that can breathe new life into these important community hubs.